Legacy Architects
Family home | Waiake Beach
Process | architectural design in six stages
How do you eat an elephant? — One bite at a time, of course.
The complexity of the design process is managed in the same way, we break it down into bite-sized stages which helps to manage it all. Here's a quick overview if you've never worked with an architect before —
1. Predesign
The pre-design stage is all about information gathering. We compile information about your site, your budget, and distill your vision. We research local planning rules and assess the feasibility of the project. During this stage we will have meetings, review what other consultants you may require, and together will develop a project brief.
3. Developed and preliminary design
The developed design stage is about refining the agreed concept. During this stage our drawings move onto the computer (CAD) and we start to make decisions about materials, finishes, and dimensions etc. This is often a suitable stage to obtain indicative pricing advice and apply for resource consent (if required).
5. Contract administration
This stage often starts with finding the right builder, which we can help with. We then administer the construction contract, ensuring all parties meet their obligations. We provide an experienced eye to verify that the payment claims are valid and fair. The claims are assessed against the work observed on site.
2. Concept design
The concept stage is about testing options to find the right solution to pursue further. There are lots of ways to build or renovate a site, and we work to find the best solution to suit the brief. The drawings and forms remain sketchy, and the design can fluctuate considerably as we hone in on a winning approach together.
4. Detailed design
Once we move into the detailed design stage, the design is (for the most part) resolved, and has stopped changing. *Adjustments are still possible, but they become more expensive at this stage due to the potential re-work involved. This stage entails documenting the construction details for the builder, and obtaining building consent. Detailed design represents a significant portion of the architects work (up to 50% of the total fee).
6. Observation
Observation of the building work overlaps with the contract administration stage. During this stage we provide essential architectural support to the builder. We remain on hand to answer your queries and guide you throughout the build. We regularly monitor the building work, to ensure everything is constructed in accordance with the plan. So you get the dream outcome as intended.
